Application Process for Secondary Certification

Congratulations!
After much hard work and dedication, you are on the verge of becoming a certified teacher.
Follow this procedure at the end of your student teaching semester.
To teach in Rhode Island, you will eventually need to be licensed. This process involves two steps: The first is the apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for Employment (CEE). This is done after you finish your student teaching but before you get a teaching job. The second step occurs after you find teaching position, when you and your district apply for your teaching license. More details about this process are provided below.

How Do I Obtain My Rhode Island Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education?

1) Visit the Rhode Island Dept. of Education website: http://www.ride.ri.gov/EducatorQuality/Certification/Cert_Applications.aspx
2) On same page, select and print out first option: "Initial Certification Teacher Application" (Certificate of Eligibility for Employment - CEE)
3) Near the top of the page, select and print out "General Instructions." Focus on numbers 1-4.
4) You will be sending in a packet that must include ALL of the following in order for it to be processed correctly!

• Completed Initial Certification Teacher Application (CEE)
• Check or money order for $50 for each certificate area (middle level endorsement: $50 additional fee) payable to: General Treasurer State of Rhode Island
  • Example: Biology + Gen. Science + MS endorsement = $150
• All transcripts (only official or student issued transcripts are acceptable) showing conferral of degree.
  • Go to URI enrollment services online
    • fill out “Transcript Request form.”
    • Check off “Hold for Degree Posting”. *
      • Final transcript will not be posted until about 4 weeks after graduation. It must include the NCATE statement affirming that you have “completed a state-approved educator preparation program…” and middle school endorsement (if applicable).This information is essential!
  • Order transcripts through e-Campus:
    • Select "Degree Confer Date" and then term, (e.g. spring 10).
      • Final transcript will not be posted until about 4 weeks after graduation w/ degree conferred and NCATE statement posted.
  • Official transcript will be sent to address you provide.
• A copy of Praxis II test scores report:
  • Principles of Learning & Teaching 20524: passing score 167

5) After all information is in the envelope, make sure to write clearly on the envelope: URI Program Completer. This means you will be processed within 10 days. If you do not take this step, your application will be delayed!

Submit Complete Packets Only To:
Rhode Island Department of Education
OFFICE OF EDUCATOR QUALITY & CERTIFICATION
255 Westminster Street
Providence, RI 02903

How do I get certified in another state?

Good news!

Rhode Island has reciprocity with almost all of the states in the U.S. (currently 44 states). This means that you are considered a highly qualified teacher when you receive your RI certification. You will not be required to take other coursework.

You may, however, be required to take other standardized tests to be certified in
another state. Visit the Dept. of Education website in the state of interest to you to find out accurate and up-to-date nformation.

Here are some Dept of Education websites for states URI students frequently apply to:

• Connecticut: http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/site/default.asp
• Massachusetts: http://www.doe.mass.edu/
• New Hampshire: http://www.ed.state.nh.us/education/
• New Jersey: http://www.state.nj.us/education/
• New York: http://www.nysed.gov/

If you have any questions that arise, especially over the summer, please call:

The Office of Teacher Education
701 Chafee
874-5930
or email agkammerer@uri.edu